Perhaps, just perhaps, this most miserable of seasons can yet bring a happy
denouement for Sunderland. Into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup for
the first time in 14 years, the hope will be that progress on one front will
lead to recovery on another, but although the prospect of relegation
continues to occupy minds at the Stadium of Light, for one blissful, Baltic
night, it was pushed to the background.

Blissful up to a point, anyway. Less than 21,000 supporters were present to
witness Sunderland’s extra-time victory over a blunt Chelsea side and while
a poor attendance was